A bill that would allow the state to immediately take over troubled Kansas City Public Schools won initial approval Tuesday in the Missouri Senate.

A final vote is expected Thursday. If it passes, the bill will go to the House, which unanimously approved it last year.

Current law gives any unaccredited school district two full school years to regain its status before the state is required to intervene. Under the measure endorsed Tuesday, the state would have to hold only two public hearings before taking action, which could range from keeping the local board in charge to replacing it with a new governing structure.

Proponents expected amendments that could have derailed the bill. But after debate, lawmakers moved forward with the legislation as is.